A comparative assessment of consolidation materials applied to burned bone

Fire-altered or fragmentary bone presents a challenge to forensic anthropologists and bioarchaeologists due to its characteristic friability. A potential solution to this problem is the use of consolidant materials on fragile osteological material, including burned remains. Although anthropologists and odontologists employ a variety of consolidant materials, there is no consensus regarding which material is most appropriate. Four easily obtained and commonly used consolidants, Acryloid™ B-72, Acrysol™ WS-24, Rhoplex™ B-60A, and Butvar® B-98, were compared to assess ease of material application and ability to stabilize burned bone. Each consolidant was applied to a subgroup of the study population at a 10% concentration. Total dry time per specimen, ease of solution preparation and application, and any alteration to the bone's appearance were recorded to assess the practical use of each material in field recovery settings. Nanoindentation, drop weight impact, and forced vibration tests were then performed to assess degree of stabilization. These tests were chosen to mimic possible real-world scenarios where burned bone may undergo damage during and after recovery, including repeated handling and transportation from the fire scene to the lab. Based on both qualitative and quantitative data collected, Acryloid™ B-72 is the most suitable consolidant tested to stabilize burned or fragmentary bone during recovery efforts. If the dry time for Rhoplex™ B-60A could be reduced by using a different solvent, such as acetone, Rhoplex™ B-60A would also be appropriate. Highly calcined areas, and targeted structures that could be utilized for positive identification, including teeth and the frontal sinus, should preferentially be consolidated with Acryloid™ B-72 in the field prior to recovery.